Auspices

Auspices refers to the practice of interpreting omens from the observed flight of birds. This practice was prevalent in ancient Rome, where it was used as a form of divination to guide decisions of state and personal matters. The term "auspices" is derived from the Latin "auspicium" and "auspex", which roughly translate to "one who looks at birds".

History

The practice of divination through the observation of birds, or ornithomancy, has been traced back to the ancient Near East and Greece. However, it was in Ancient Rome where the practice was institutionalized and became a central part of the state religion. The Romans believed that the gods communicated their approval or disapproval of human actions through the behavior of birds.

Practice

The practice of auspices involved observing the behavior of birds, particularly their flight patterns. The observer, known as the augur, would delineate a sacred space in the sky, known as the "templum", and observe the birds that flew within this space. The augur would then interpret the birds' behavior as signs or omens.

There were two types of auspices in ancient Rome: "ex avibus", based on the observation of birds, and "ex tripudiis", based on the observation of the feeding behavior of chickens.

Influence

The practice of auspices had a significant influence on Roman politics and military decisions. Before any major decision or event, such as a battle or election, an augur would be consulted to interpret the auspices. If the auspices were unfavorable, the event would be postponed or cancelled.

Modern Usage

In modern usage, the term "auspices" has evolved to mean patronage or guidance. It is often used in the phrase "under the auspices of", meaning under the guidance or patronage of a person, group, or organization.

See Also

• Divination
• Augur
• Ancient Rome